Richard T. Guthrie was born in Lincoln, Nebraska, on October 26, 1890. After receiving a master’s degree in Forestry from the University of Nebraska in 1913, he worked for the U.S. Forest Service in Colorado and Wyoming. When American declared war in 1917, Guthrie was appointed 2nd Lt. He served with the Second Division of Field Artillery and in the Meuse-Argonne offensive and was promoted to the rank of Major by the end of his twenty months of service. During his World War I career, Guthrie earned the Croix De Guerre and a Distinguished Service Cross. During World War II Guthrie served as Artillery Commander of the 4th Division and saw action in the Battle of the Bulge. He received the Croix De Guerre, Silver Star, two oak leaf clusters, and a distinguished service medal.

Richard T. Guthrie died in San Francisco on November 18, 1958.

SCOPE AND CONTENT NOTE

This collection consists of one box of papers relating primarily to the military service and assignment of Major Richard T. Guthrie. Some items relating to his educational background and tenure in the U.S. Forest Service are also included. The bulk of the collection is comprised of Guthrie’s undated reminiscence. In this reminiscence Guthrie traces his World War I military career, from the time he was a 2nd Lieutenant, through his artillery training and service, to assignments following the Armistice, to his return to Lincoln, Nebraska, on August 31, 1919. Guthrie describes troop movements, methods of camouflaging gun positions, firing assignments, and German bombardments.

Also included in the collection are correspondence, certificates and miscellaneous other items. The correspondence, 1910-1947, consists primarily of letters relaying news of Guthrie’s appointments in the U.S. Forest Service and Military appointments, commendations, and citations. The certificates were awarded to Richard T. Guthrie from 1903 to 1952. Most of these are military awards and citations, although a few educational certificates are included. The miscellaneous materials include Guthrie’s military record, various membership cards and several oversized military maps.

Note: See the photo component [RG4124.PH] for related images. Additional artifacts are held by the Nebraska History Museum.